Christinne Rudd is an advocate, speaker, and writer on a variety of disability issues. She is also a mom.And she has cerebral palsy.
“When I became a mom, I never knew how much scrutiny I’d face just because I happen to be disabled too.”
Enduring the assumptions of inability
When Christinne was pregnant with her son and in the planning phases of parenthood, she was aware there would be obstacles she would face that other moms likely do not, but she wasn’t truly ready for the harsh judgments. “The thought of having to prove myself over and over again was never one of those things that crossed my mind in the least,” she shares.
One thing Christinne wants the public to understand is the meaning behind the old saying Don’t judge a book by its cover.
“My physical appearance leads people to assume that I can’t possibly have the ability to take care of a toddler’s needs, even though this misconception is the farthest thing from the truth.”
Christinne has also encountered the misconception that just because she has a physical disability, people often assume she has a mental disability as well.
Parenting in general often means raising your children in a way that makes you feel comfortable with how they are progressing and growing. Not every parent parents the same way. For parents with a disability, this is even more true.
“What does it matter if I don’t accomplish the tasks of taking care of my son or playing with him the way parents who aren’t disabled can? Doesn’t each parent bring their child up the way they see fit?”
Christine is fully aware that our world is filled with misconceptions and preconceived notions about disabilities. She is playing a role in making a change: “One day,” she writes, “I’d like people to push aside all the things they think I can’t do and what they think prevents me from being a successful and nurturing parent, and instead see that my disability is one of my strengths. Despite my challenges I’ve set goals for myself and achieved them.”
Keep doing exactly what you’re doing, Christinne. Because it seems pretty great.
Share this post with a parent who could benefit from Christinne’s experiences and outlook.